Residents speak out in support of special-needs home after critical review

After failing to provide adequate care, two residents have come out in favour of the management of an Amherst, Nova Scotia special needs facility.

Karen LeBlanc’s son Duran Beckstead moved into the house in January.

She was shocked to hear about two allegations of emotional abuse against the director of the facility in her hometown.

“When I walked in there the first time, I could see the professionalism on the faces of the people who work there,” says LeBlanc. “I saw the love of the clients who were already there and I thought, ‘This is it, this is where I need him to be.’”

Leblanc says her son’s quality of life has improved since being in the facility, and that he goes for daily outings that include visiting a nearby community garden.

A recent government investigation found two allegations of emotional abuse were unfounded. Investigators did, however, determine the director of the facility failed to provide adequate care by changing one of the resident’s medications without consulting a doctor and swearing at another.

The Department of Community Services ordered a dozen improvements, including more training for management and staff.

Despite the findings, residents are still speaking highly of their time in the care home.

Kayla Sarson has lived at the home for six years. She has cerebral palsy and uses a tablet to communicate.

“I am well cared for, and I get the proper care that I need,” says Sarson. “The staff are there for us on days that we are upset or need someone to listen.The staff are like our family.”

Karen LeBlanc says staff have learned a lot of lessons about what to do and what not to do, adding she doesn’t believe her child has ever had inadequate care at the facility.

LeBlanc would like to see the director of the facility reinstated. He is currently suspended with pay.